Chapter 433

The two women swiftly retreated from their vantage point near the couch.

Juliette Blackwood yanked Eleanor Blackwell into a shadowed alcove. "That hussy has no shame," she hissed. "Booking a hotel room with some internet celebrity in broad daylight."

Eleanor's lips curled in disgust. "Evelyn Carter was always flighty. I can't fathom why Nathan remains infatuated with her. This time, I'll make sure he sees her for what she truly is."

Her fingers trembled as she reached for her phone, but Juliette intercepted her.

"Patience, Mrs. Blackwell," Juliette cautioned. "We must proceed strategically."

Eleanor's face flushed with indignation. "She's absolutely revolting. I won't tolerate this another minute. Nathan needs to witness her depravity firsthand."

Her agitation grew with each passing second.

Recognizing the danger of impulsive action, Juliette confiscated the phone. "Without concrete evidence, we're powerless. Evelyn's cunning - she'll simply deny everything and turn this against us."

The logic momentarily cooled Eleanor's fury. "What do you propose then?"

A predatory smile curved Juliette's lips. "We wait until they're... indisposed. Then we strike."

"Ah, catch them in the act," Eleanor murmured, nodding. "But tell me, who delivered that key card earlier?"

Juliette's eyes gleamed. "Some penniless influencer with millions of obsessed female followers. If this scandal breaks, his fanbase will tear Evelyn apart."

"The Sterling name won't be tarnished either," Eleanor mused. "She's no longer connected to our family."

After numerous defeats at Evelyn's hands, Eleanor craved absolute certainty. "Perhaps we shouldn't handle this personally. A third party would be... cleaner."

"Do you have someone in mind?"

Eleanor's smile turned cryptic as she dialed a number. The hushed conversation lasted mere minutes.

"Consider it handled," she announced upon returning. "Evelyn won't slip through our fingers this time."

Juliette's admiration was palpable. "Your resourcefulness never ceases to amaze, Mrs. Blackwell. She doesn't stand a chance."

Eleanor basked in the flattery before offering her reward. "That government land parcel you're pursuing for real estate development - I have connections. Consider it yours."

Juliette's breath hitched. Securing that prime urban development land would catapult the Blackwood Group to new heights. Finally, she'd surpass Evelyn.

Meanwhile, Evelyn had polished off an entire box of hors d'oeuvres while waiting. Thirty minutes had lapsed with no sign of Harrison Whitmore.

She grabbed her clutch and ventured into the hallway.

There stood Harrison, his expression stormy as he barked into his phone. Whatever news he received had clearly displeased him.